Pakistan defeats UAE by 31 runs in triangular T20 series

SHARJAH: The Pakistan cricket team secured a 31-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the second T20 match of the triangular series.

Pakistan set a target of 208 runs, and in response, the UAE team could only manage 176 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first and were bowled out on the final ball of their innings after scoring 207 runs. Opener Saim Ayub was the top scorer with an impressive 69 runs, while Hassan Nawaz contributed 56 and Mohammad Nawaz added a quick 25.

For the UAE, Sagheer Khan and Junaid Siddiqui were the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets each. Haider Ali also picked up two wickets.

In a strategic move, Pakistan rested key bowlers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the match, bringing in Hassan Ali and Salman Mirza.

In pursuit of the challenging target, UAE’s Asif Khan played a blistering innings of 77 runs, which included six fours and six sixes. Captain Muhammad Waseem scored 33, while Prashar made 15. For Pakistan, Hassan Ali was the most successful bowler with three wickets, and Mohammad Nawaz claimed two.